The new assistant chief at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service says he's "excited" about the challenge.

Dave Walton previously served with West Midlands Fire Service for 28 years, where he was most recently. He replaces Martyn Redfearn.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work in West Yorkshire, with what is widely known as a high performing team. It’s a great time of change in the UK fire and rescue service and, while it will be a challenge, it also brings a fantastic opportunity to lead. I have come from a metropolitan brigade similar to West Yorkshire, so I am well versed in what the challenges are. I look forward to learning about the different communities in West Yorkshire and meeting and working with lots of new people.”

Controversial plans to close fire stations across West Yorkshire have been given the go ahead in the face of strong public opposition. But the fire authority say's the changes MUST be implemented to save £7 million spending shorfall. Sarah Clark reports.

Fire Chiefs have reined back on controversial plans to close some fire stations in West Yorkshire after a massive public backlash.

Around 200 firefighters' posts could still go and community leaders fear lives will be placed at risk by the cuts, but some fire stations earmarked for closure now look likely to remain open.

12,037 letters or emails were received objecting to the plans - just seven either supported them or raised no objection.

They were going to close Haworth, but now it's recommended that it be given a reprieve for a max of two years. There were plans to merge Hunslet and Morley fire stations at a two-appliance station between the two.

Now, the recommendation is retain Hunslet and Morley fire stations in their current locations and remove one fire engine from Hunslet.

Also plans to merge Rothwell and Garforth at a one-appliance station between the two - have now been watered down and recommendation is that they retain Rothwell and Garforth fire stations in their current locations.